Nepal

Country Program

In Nepal, the government banned the operation of all public places, sports venues and religious gatherings until the end of April.

COVID-19 update

National school examinations have been postponed; entry of foreigners has been banned or severely restricted, the border between India and China have been closed. Gatherings of more than 25 people are forbidden.

As the first case was officially confirmed in Feb 2020 in Nepal, LWF is particularly concerned about vulnerable communities of its targeted areas particularly freed bonded laborers (Haliyas, Kamaiyas), Dalits, Santhals, Musahars, ethnic minorities and people with disabilities. The communities we serve are socio-economically poor and vulnerable people mostly in remote areas access to medical care, hygiene material, and reliable information is a challenge. The COVID-19 has further increased risks and vulnerabilities to those households with returnees from outbreak areas such as India, UAE, etc. The continuous country lockdown due to COVID-19 has further aggravated the shortage of basic services including food, medicine and other basic services.

LWF prepares information campaigns through the radio and distribution of information materials, as well as the distribution of soap and sanitizer, food, and support local government for quarantine and isolation centers. The target population is about 24, 838 households, approximately 150,000 people.

What we’re doing in Nepal

The Lutheran World Federation (LWF) has been working in Nepal since 1984 with refugees, hosts, displaced (IDPs) and people at risk with socioeconomic, and climate and disaster vulnerabilities. Voice and participation of the right holders have been enhanced through community-based organizations to ensure equal access to livelihoods, quality services, and protection and social cohesion.

When a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck Nepal in 2015, LWF supported affected communities beyond the emergency phase with reconstruction and livelihood activities.

We assist vulnerable people through a variety of community-based programs. We work to build up local capacity on disaster risk management through village and district level committees. We also distribute practical supplies like rubber boats and life jackets in flood-prone areas.

The LWF provides livelihood and relief support to urban refugees and Bhutanese refugees at two camps in eastern Nepal. LWF Nepal also responded to smaller-scale disasters like the nearly 400 fire-affected families in Saptari district in 2010.

In a long-term perspective, the LWF promotes farm-based enterprises and off-farm livelihood opportunities. We also support youth with general skill development and lessons in starting small business.

The program supports mainly: